ASBESTOS

LEAD

MOLD

Radon

Asbestos

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Asbestos is the name given to a group of minerals that occur naturally in the environment as bundles of fibers that can be separated into thin, durable threads. These fibers are resistant to heat, fire, and chemicals and do not conduct electricity. For these reasons, asbestos has been used widely in the construction industry.

Asbestos has been classified as a known human carcinogen (a substance that causes cancer) by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the EPA, and the International Agency for Research on Cancer. Studies have shown that exposure to asbestos may increase the risk of lung cancer and mesothelioma (a relatively rare cancer of the thin membranes that line the chest and abdomen). Although rare, mesothelioma is the most common form of cancer associated with asbestos exposure.

Asbestos exposure may also increase the risk of asbestosis (an inflammatory condition affecting the lungs that can cause shortness of breath, coughing, and permanent lung damage) and other nonmalignant lung and pleural disorders, including pleural plaques (changes in the membranes surrounding the lung), pleural thickening, and benign pleural effusions (abnormal collections of fluid between the thin layers of tissue lining the lungs and the wall of the chest cavity). Although pleural plaques are not precursors to lung cancer, evidence suggests that people with pleural disease caused by exposure to asbestos may be at increased risk for lung cancer.

Asbestos has been mined and used commercially in North America since the late 1800’s. Its use increased greatly since then and has been used in many industries. The building and construction industries have used it for strengthening cement, insulation, roofing, fireproofing, sound absorption, and many other building materials.

Everyone is exposed to asbestos at some time during their life. Low levels of asbestos are present in the air, water, and soil. However, most people do not become ill from their exposure. People who become ill from asbestos are usually those who are exposed to it on a regular basis, most often in a job where they work directly with the material or through substantial environmental contact.

Although it is clear that the health risks from asbestos exposure increase with heavier exposure and longer exposure time, investigators have found asbestos-related diseases in individuals with only brief exposures. Generally, those who develop asbestos-related diseases show no signs of illness for a long time after their first exposure. It can take from 10 to 40 years or more for symptoms of an asbestos-related condition to appear.

You can’t tell whether a material contains asbestos simply by looking at it, unless it is labeled. If in doubt, treat the material as if it contains asbestos or have it sampled and analyzed by a qualified professional. A professional should take samples for analysis, since a professional knows what to look for, and because there may be an increased health risk if fibers are released. In fact, if done incorrectly, sampling itself can be more hazardous than leaving the material alone. Taking samples yourself is not recommended.

Although it is clear that the health risks from asbestos exposure increase with heavier exposure and longer exposure time, investigators have found asbestos-related diseases in individuals with only brief exposures. Generally, those who develop asbestos-related diseases show no signs of illness for a long time after their first exposure. It can take from 10 to 40 years or more for symptoms of an asbestos-related condition to appear.

Do keep activities to a minimum in any areas having damaged material that may contain asbestos.

Do take every precaution to avoid damaging asbestos material.

Do have removal and major repair done by people trained and qualified in handling asbestos. It is highly recommended that sampling and minor repair also be done by asbestos professionals.

Don’t dust, sweep, or vacuum debris that may contain asbestos.

Don’t saw, sand, scrape, or drill holes in asbestos materials.

Don’t use abrasive pads or brushes on power strippers to strip wax from asbestos flooring. Never use a power stripper on a dry floor.

Don’t sand or try to level asbestos flooring or its backing. When asbestos flooring needs re- placing, install new floorcovering over it, if possible.

Don’t track material that could contain asbestos through the house. If you cannot avoid walking through the area, have it cleaned with a wet mop. If the material is from a damaged area, or if a large area must be cleaned, call an asbestos professional.

Beginning in January 2016, Metro’s transfer stations will require new documentation about asbestos from commercial garbage haulers bringing drop box loads of construction and demolition debris.

Health concerns about asbestos and the importance of protecting the health and safety of the employees and customers at Metro Central and Metro South transfer stations require that Metro cannot accept any materials that contain asbestos, either friable or non-friable, at either Metro

Metro Central or Metro South transfer stations.

• In response to concerns raised by the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality to more effectively screen and account for asbestos in loads of construction and demolition materials arriving at waste facilities, starting Jan. 1, 2016, Metro is requiring commercial garbage haulers with drop box loads of construction and demolition debris to verify that their loads do not contain asbestos.

Documentation required.

All loads of construction or demolition debris delivered to a Metro transfer station must be accompanied by:

A completed Metro construction and demolition waste acceptance form.

An Asbestos Survey indicating the building that is the source of the hauled material is free of any asbestos-containing materials. If the survey indicates asbestos may be present in any material, then the following additional documents are required:

Statement from the property owner or representative that attests only the material that does not contain asbestos has been delivered to the transfer station for disposal or documentation, demonstrating the asbestos-containing materials have been properly disposed of at an appropriate facility.

These requirements will apply to commercial waste haulers with drop box, contractors, and property owners bringing construction materials to Metro’s transfer stations. Oregon DEQ has more information for businesses and households about how to handle asbestos-containing materials and dispose of them properly.

Survey Requirements.

DEQ’s residential asbestos survey rule requires a thorough asbestos survey by an accredited inspector to determine the presence of ACM prior to any demolition activities, including intentional burning. A survey is not required for residential buildings with four or fewer dwelling units constructed after Jan. 1, 2004.

A copy of the asbestos survey is required to be onsite during all demolition activities and DEQ can request a copy of the asbestos survey. We can provide this service of inspecting and documenting hazardous materials in a structure.

Contractors, property owners and homeowners are responsible for any asbestos rule violations that may occur from renovation or demolition activities in or on their structure.

Senate Bill 705, passed in 2015 by the Oregon Legislature, directed DEQ to adopt rules that require an accredited inspector perform an asbestos survey before a residential building is demolished. The Environmental Quality Commission adopted temporary rules on December 9, 2015.

DEQ’s residential asbestos survey rule requires a thorough inspection of a residential building before any demolition activity, including intentional burning, to determine the presence of friable and nonfriable asbestos-containing material, commonly known as ACM.

Demolition is defined as wrecking that involves the removal of any load-supporting structural member or intentional burning. Only an accredited inspector may perform the asbestos survey.

An accredited inspector must complete training and receive accreditation under the Model Accreditation Program training rules in 40 CFR Part 763. A copy of the survey report must be kept onsite during the demolition project and DEQ can request a copy of the survey report.

A survey includes the sampling of materials suspected to contain asbestos, laboratory analysis results to determine asbestos content and an evaluation of the materials to assess their condition.

Unless a negative exposure assessment has been made, the communication of asbestos hazards is vital to prevent further overexposure. Most asbestos-related construction involves previously installed building materials. Building/facility owners often are the only or best source of information concerning these materials.

Building/facility owners, as well as employers of workers who may be exposed to asbestos hazards, have specific duties under the standard.

Before work begins, building/facility owners must identify all thermal system insulation at the worksite, sprayed or troweled-on surfacing materials in buildings, and resilient flooring material installed before 1981. They also must notify the following persons of the presence, location, and quantity of Asbestos Containing Material (ACM) or Presumed Asbestos Containing Materials (PACM):

An accredited AHERA Building Inspector must conduct any assessment of presumed asbestos materials or any other suspected asbestos materials before they may be handled as non-asbestos materials. An assessment is not needed if a material is assumed to contain asbestos and handled as asbestos. Manufacturer or construction records may be used if the lack of asbestos content was documented when the material was installed. Previous surveys and abatement records may also be used, if they cover the current work area.

Inspections must cover any material you expect to be contacted or disturbed during work. Materials in other areas of the building or those that will remain inaccessible during work do not need to be assessed.

You must provide a written report of the inspection findings to any contractor working in your building. You must also give your employees and other employers working in the building access to the report and warn them of any materials that may be a hazard.

Fines.

State law specifies a minimum $250 per day fine for failure to obtain the asbestos report. This fine can be applied to both the contractor and building owner. Additional fines may be applied if workers are exposed to airborne asbestos.

Prior to performing any renovation activity the property owner or the owner’s agent shall determine whether there are suspect asbestos-containing materials in the work area. The property owner or the owner’s agent shall obtain an asbestos survey of any suspect asbestos-containing materials. The asbestos survey shall be performed by an AHERA (Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act) building inspector. An asbestos survey at a single-family resident is not required to be performed by an AHERA building inspector when the renovation project is performed by the owner/occupant.

A summary of the results of the asbestos survey shall be documented and shall either be posted by the property owner or owner’s agent at the work site or communicated in writing to all persons who may come into contact with the material.

2. Demolition

Prior to performing any demolition project, the property owner or the owner’s agent shall obtain an asbestos survey of the facility or part of the facility where the demolition will occur for the presence of asbestos. The asbestos survey shall be performed by an AHERA (Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act) building inspector.

A summary of the results of the asbestos survey shall be documented and shall either be posted by the property owner or owner’s agent at the work site or communicated in writing to all persons who may come into contact with the material.

Laws always change. Cleaning and removal protocols always change. It is your responsibility to follow all State and Federal laws for cleaning and removal of and hazardous material.

Lead

Cutting Edge

Innovations that matter!

Lead is a naturally occurring toxic metal found in the Earth’s crust. Its widespread use has resulted in extensive environmental contamination, human exposure, and significant public health problems in many parts of the world.

Lead is used in pigments, paints, solder, stained glass, crystal vessels, ammunition, ceramic glazes, jewelry, toys, and in some cosmetics and traditional medicines. Drinking water delivered through lead pipes or pipes joined with lead solder may contain lead.

Lead was banned from consumer use paint in the U.S. in 1977. Even though leaded paint may be covered with non-leaded paint, lead may still be released into the home environment by peeling, chipping, chalking, friction, or impact. Lead may also be released through past or ongoing home renovation. Lead-contaminated household dust is the major course of lead exposure to children in the U.S.

Between 83% and 86% of all homes built before 1978 in the U.S. have lead-based paint in them. (CDC 1997a)

The older the house, the more likely it is to contain lead-based paint and to have a higher concentration of lead in the paint.

The number of existing U.S. housing units built before 1950, when paint had high lead content, decreased from 27.5 million in 1990 to 25.8 million in 2000 (CDC 2003); despite the gradual decline in the number of houses containing lead paint, however, it still poses a risk.

Before 1955, a significant amount of white house paint sold and used was 50% lead and 50% linseed oil. In 1955, manufacturers adopted a voluntary house paint lead-content standard of 1%, but house paint with higher levels of lead continued to be manufactured.

The amount of lead allowable in paint was lowered by federal law to 1% in 1971 and then to 0.06% in 1977.In addition to degradation of interior paint, lead may be tracked into homes in significant quantities from exterior soil that was contaminated by historical use of lead in paint, gasoline, or industries.

Lead has had serious consequences for the health of children. At high levels of exposure, lead attacks the brain and central nervous system to cause coma, convulsions, and even death. Children who survive severe lead poisoning may be left with mental retardation and behavioral disorders. At lower levels of exposure that cause no obvious symptoms, and that previously were considered safe, lead is now known to produce a spectrum of injury across multiple body systems. In particular lead affects children’s brain development resulting in reduced intelligence quotient (IQ), behavioral changes such as reduced attention span and increased antisocial behavior, and reduced educational attainment. Lead exposure also causes anemia, hypertension, renal impairment, immunotoxicity, and toxicity to the reproductive organs. The neurological and behavioral effects of lead are believed to be irreversible.

There is no known safe blood lead concentration. But it is known that, as lead exposure increases, the range and severity of symptoms and effects also increases. Even blood lead concentrations as low as 5 μg/dl, once thought to be a “safe level”, may result in decreased intelligence in children, behavioral difficulties, and learning problems.

Do-it-yourself remodeling or paint removal can drastically increase lead levels. Heating or sanding the paint on the inside or outside of a house can seriously endanger adults, children, and pets that live there. Normal cleaning during and after remodeling is not adequate to protect a child or a pet from the lead. It requires extensive training to prevent contamination of all the rugs, curtains, and surfaces in a house. Most do-it-yourself remodelers do not allow enough time for cleaning up dust.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) strongly recommends that you not undertake do-it-yourself remodeling in a home that contains lead unless you are trained to do so. If you are considering the possibility of doing this work yourself, call EPA at 866-512-1800 for more information.

It’s the LAW.

Federal law requires contractors that disturb painted surfaces in homes, child care facilities and schools built before 1978 to be certified and follow specific work practices to prevent lead contamination. Always ask to see your contractor’s certification. Federal law requires that individuals receive certain information before renovating more than six square feet of painted surfaces in a room for interior projects or more than twenty square feet of painted surfaces for exterior projects or window replacement or demolition in housing, child care facilities and schools built before 1978.

Homeowners and tenants: renovators must give you this pamphlet before starting work.

Child care facilities, including preschools and kindergarten classrooms, and the families of children under six years of age that attend those facilities: renovators must provide a copy of the EPA pamphlet to child care facilities and general renovation information to families whose children attend those facilities.Make certain that you and the contractor you hire are trained in lead hazards and removal protocols.

Laws always change. Cleaning and removal protocols always change. It is your responsibility to follow all State and Federal laws for cleaning and removal of and hazardous material.

Mold

Cutting Edge

Innovations that matter!

Molds are tiny microscopic organisms that digest organic matter and reproduce by releasing spores. Molds are a type of fungi and there are over 100,000 species. In nature, mold helps decompose or break down leaves, wood, and other plant debris. Molds become a problem when they go where they are not wanted and digest materials such as our homes.

Mold enters your home as tiny spores. The spores need moisture to begin growing, digesting and destroying. Molds can grow on almost any surface, such as wood, ceiling tiles, wallpaper, paints, carpet, sheet rock, and insulation. The mold grows best when there is lots of moisture from a leaky roof, high humidity, or flood. There is no way to get rid of all molds and mold spores from your home. But you can control mold growth by keeping your home dry.

When molds are disturbed, they release spores into the air. You can be exposed by breathing air containing these mold spores. You can also be exposed through touching moldy items, eating moldy food, or accidental hand to mouth contact.

Most molds do not harm healthy people. But people who have allergies or asthma may be more sensitive to molds. Sensitive people may experience skin rash, running nose, eye irritation, cough, nasal congestion, aggravation of asthma, or difficulty breathing. People with an immune suppression or underlying lung disease, may be at increased risk for infections from molds.

A small number of molds produce toxins called mycotoxins. When people are exposed to high levels of mold mycotoxins they may suffer toxic effects, including fatigue, nausea, headaches, and irritation to the lungs and eyes. If you or your family members have health problems that you suspect are caused by exposure to mold, you should consult with your physician.

You know you have mold when you smell the “musty” odor or see small black or white specks along your damp bathroom or basement walls. Some mold is hidden growing behind wall coverings or ceiling tiles. Even dry, dead mold can cause health problems, so always take precautions when you suspect mold.

Mold is often found in areas where water has damaged building materials and furniture from flooding or plumbing leaks. Mold can also be found growing along walls where warm moist air condenses on cooler wall surfaces, such as inside cold exterior walls, behind dressers, headboards, and in closets where articles are stored against walls. Mold often grows in rooms with both high water usage and humidity, such as kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, and basements. If you notice mold or know of water damaged areas in your home, it is time to take action to control its growth.

Clean up mold and take care of the problem by following the advice above to keep your home dry and keep mold out. Act fast! Mold damages your home as it grows. Clean it up as soon as possible.

Size the Moldy Area.
Decide if you have a large or small area of mold. A small area is less than about ten square feet, or a patch three feet by three feet square. To clean a small area, follow the advice below. You may use a cotton face mask for protection.

If you have a lot of mold damage (more than ten square feet) consider hiring a cleaning professional. If the moldy area has been contaminated by sewage or is in hidden places, hire a professional. If you decide to clean up on your own, follow the guidance below.

Use Protection.

Wear goggles, gloves, and breathing protection while working in the area. For large consolidated areas of mold growth, you should wear an Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) approved particle mask.

Seal the Area.

Seal off the area from the rest of your home. Cover heat registers or ventilation ducts/grills. Open a window before you start to clean up.

Remove Items.

Remove all your furnishings to a mold-free area. Clean the surrounding moldy area then follow cleaning directions below for the items you removed and the new space.

Bag Moldy Trash.

Bag all moldy materials and tie off the top of the bag. Bring them outdoors and place in your garbage container right away.

Scrub Surfaces.

First wash with a mild detergent solution, such as laundry detergent and warm water. Allow to dry.

(Optional step) Then wipe with a solution of 1/4 cup bleach to one gallon of water. Wait 20 minutes and repeat. Wait another 20 minutes.

Last, apply a borate-based detergent solution and don’t rinse. This will help prevent mold from growing again. A borate-based laundry or dish washer detergent has “borate” listed on the ingredients label.

Clean and Wash.
Give the entire area a good cleaning, vacuum floors, and wash any exposed bedding or clothing.

Monitor.

Check regularly to make sure mold has not returned to the clean-up area.

What cleans moldy furniture and other items?

For wood, metal, plastic, glass, ceramics, and other objects that don’t absorb water but are washable – wipe them with a solution of lukewarm water and laundry detergent.

For clothes, bedding, and other materials that absorb water and are washable – wash them in the laundry.

For beds, sofas, and other furniture that absorb water but are not washable – these items may need to be discarded. Or, try to save them by vacuuming well and allowing to air out. If there is no odor it may be okay. Mold can come back, so watch for any mold growth or mold related health problems. Discard the item if you suspect mold is growing inside or outside the item.

I’m a renter or landlord, what help can you provide for a mold problem?

Mold problems in buildings are a result of water and moisture problems. Excess moisture comes from leaks or condensation. Tenants and landlords both have responsibilities for addressing water and moisture problems that can cause mold. Generally, fixing leaks is the landlord’s responsibility and reducing condensation is the renter’s responsibility.

Laws always change. Cleaning and removal protocols always change. It is your responsibility to follow all State and Federal laws for cleaning and removal of and hazardous material

Radon

Cutting Edge

Innovations that matter!

Radon is a colorless, odorless, radioactive gas. It forms naturally from the decay (breaking down) of radioactive elements, such as uranium, which are found in different amounts in soil and rock throughout the world. Radon gas in the soil and rock can move into the air and into underground water and surface water.

Radon is present outdoors and indoors. It is normally found at very low levels in outdoor air and in drinking water from rivers and lakes. It can be found at higher levels in the air in houses and other buildings, as well as in water from underground sources, such as well water.

Radon breaks down into solid radioactive elements called radon progeny (such as polonium-218, polonium-214, and lead-214). Radon progeny can attach to dust and other particles and can be breathed into the lungs. As radon and radon progeny in the air break down, they give off radiation that can damage the DNA inside the body’s cells.

For both adults and children, most exposure to radon comes from being indoors in homes, of offices, schools, and other buildings. The levels of radon in homes and other buildings depend on the charac- teristics of the rock and soil in the area. As a result, radon levels vary greatly in different parts of the United States, sometimes even within neighborhoods. Elevated radon levels have been found in every state.

Radon gas given off by soil or rock can enter buildings through cracks in floors or walls; construction joints; or gaps in foundations around pipes, wires, or pumps. Radon levels are usually highest in the basement or crawl space. This level is closest to the soil or rock that is the source of the radon. Therefore, people who spend much of their time in basement rooms at home or at work have a greater risk for being exposed.

Small amounts of radon can also be released from the water supply into the air. As the radon moves from the water to air, it can be inhaled. Water that comes from deep, underground wells in rock may have higher levels of radon, whereas surface water (from lakes or rivers) usually has very low radon levels. For the most part, water does not contribute much to overall exposure to radon.

Radon exposure can also occur from some building materials if they are made from radon-containing substances. Almost any building material made from natural substances, including concrete and wallboard, may give off some level of radon. In most cases these levels are very low, but in a few instances these materials may contribute significantly to radon exposure.

Some granite counter-tops may expose people to different levels of radon. Most health and radiation experts agree that while a small portion of granite counter-tops might give off increased levels of radon, most counter-tops give off extremely low levels. According to the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), it’s very unlikely that a granite counter-top in a home would increase the radiation level above the normal, natural background level that comes from nearby soil and rocks. Still, people concerned about radon from counter-tops and from other household sources can test these levels. It is recommended that you hire a professional to do the testing.

According to the EPA, the average indoor radon level is about 1.3 picocuries per liter (pCi/L). People should take action to lower radon levels in the home if the level is 4.0 pCi/L or higher. The EPA estimates that nearly 1 out of every 15 homes in the United States has elevated radon levels.

Outdoors, radon generally disperses and does not reach high levels. Average levels of radon outdoors, according to the EPA, are about 0.4 pCi/L.

Being exposed to radon for a long period of time can lead to lung cancer. Radon gas in the air breaks down into tiny radioactive elements (radon progeny) that can lodge in the lining of the lungs, where they can give off radiation. This radiation can damage lung cells and eventually lead to lung cancer.

Cigarette smoking is by far the most common cause of lung cancer in the United States, but radon is the second leading cause. Scientists estimate that about 20,000 lung cancer deaths per year are related to radon.

Exposure to the combination of radon gas and cigarette smoke creates a greater risk for lung cancer than either factor alone. Most radon-related lung cancers develop in smokers. However, radon is also thought to cause a significant number of lung cancer deaths among non-smokers in the United States each year.

Some studies have suggested that radon exposure may be linked to other types of cancer as well, such as childhood leukemia. But the evidence for such links has been mixed and not nearly as strong as it is for lung cancer. Because radon and its progeny are absorbed mainly by inhaling, and because the radiation they give off travels only a short distance, it is unlikely that radon would affect other tissues in the body.

The evidence that radon causes lung cancer comes from studies in people and studies done in the lab.

Radon is in the air we breathe, both indoors and out, so it isn’t possible to avoid it completely. But there may be things you can do to lower your exposure.

In the home

For most people, the largest potential source of radon exposure is in their home. You can have radon levels in your home checked to determine if you need to take steps to lower them.

The EPA recommends testing all homes below the 3rd floor, even new homes that were built “radon- resistant.” You can also hire a professional to test radon levels in your home.

A variety of methods can be used to reduce radon levels in your home, such as sealing cracks in floors and walls or increasing ventilation through “sub-slab depressurization” using pipes and fans. The EPA recommends that you have a qualified contractor fix your home because lowering high radon levels requires specific technical knowledge and special skills.

Without the proper equipment or technical knowledge, you could actually increase your radon level or create other potential hazards and additional costs.

Certain building materials may be more “radon tight” and may help reduce exposure in areas where radon levels are high. You can get more information from your state radon office or from qualified contractors.

Laws always change. Cleaning and removal protocols always change. It is your responsibility to follow all State and Federal laws for cleaning and removal of and hazardous material.

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